JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of October 12, 2020
All attempts are made to be as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to the JCSD Communications department at jcsdcomm@jdragonmail.us.
District News & Announcements
JHS Outdoor Learning Environment Nears Completion
The Johnston High School Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) has been progressing quietly throughout the summer and into the fall.
Throughout the project, the Foundation has involved high school students as much as possible. Numerous students in JHS teacher Rhys South’s construction technology class have assisted with concrete pours and building. Just last week, the last pad was poured on the shelter site and beams and rafters were erected. From there, steel for the roof will be ordered and installed. Read more here.
School to Work Students Sharpen Job Skills Virtually
One of Johnston High School’s most popular options for senior students is the School-to-Work program, where students pair up with metro-area businesses to explore possible career options through an internship that starts in October and runs through April.
Recently, School-to-Work students attended virtual mock interviews as part of a Professional Skills Workshop. The JHS intermediary at DMACC set up the workshop so students could click a link and interview virtually with a complete stranger– a new, necessary skill since the onset of COVID. Read more here.
Celebrating Nat'l School Lunch Week
October 12-16 is National School Lunch Week! School meals feed nearly 30 million school-aged children each day.
Last year in Johnston, our nutrition staff served 119,471 breakfast meals and 531,448 lunch meals. During the school shut down, they served a total of 173,742 meals to Johnston families as part of the UDA emergency meal service. WOW - the power of school meals to feed and fuel our students is amazing!
Registration for KTC is Open!
Board Highlights from October 12, 2020
-2020-21 Academic Calendar
-Fall Conference Update
-Edmentum/Calvert (approved)
-Additional Special Education Associate FTE's (approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer provided a recap of the October 8 special meeting decision to move to 5 day, in person learning while continuing to provide 100% online learning. As part of this decision, parents were able to fill out a form to elect to change learning models if they wanted. The changes may mean some students will see changes to their teacher assignment(s) and/or busing schedules. Supt. Kacer then discussed new and ongoing mitigation strategies in buildings and throughout the district to keep students and staff safe.
Other parts of the Superintendent's report included discussion of resuming board meetings with a limited seating capacity for audience members. The board also discussed the type(s) of metrics they would like to see and review on an ongoing basis going forward.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Starting Oct. 26, there will be limited seating in the District Office board room, in a distanced and safe seating style. Seat availability is first come, first seated. Citizens are encouraged to watch the board meetings via the livestream at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. The next meeting October board meeting is Oct. 26.
CONTACT THE BOARD
Persons are encouraged to send questions, comments and suggestions to our board members. Each board member can be reached by email: Justin Allen; Dr. Jeanie Kerber; Jennifer Chamberland; Dr. Alicia Clevenger; Katie Fiala; Steven Hopper; and Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher.
Johnston Community School District
JCSD Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Johnston Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Associate Superintendent, Dr. Bruce Amendt, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, bamendt@johnston.k12.ia.us.
Email: laura.sprague@johnston.k12.ia.us
Website: johnstoncsd.org
Location: 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA, USA
Phone: 515-278-0470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnstonCSD/
Twitter: @johnstoncsd